Runner Kim Thanh Hai: Carrying the aspirations of BIDV and the pride of Vietnam as she strides across the "holy ground" of the world marathon
It's not just about the dry numbers on the desk; the spirit of BIDV is vividly and persistently embodied on the world's most prestigious running tracks.
Having conquered three of the world's largest marathons (Chicago, Tokyo, New York), Kim Thanh Hai has not only brought home individual medals, but also carried the image of a dynamic BIDV and a Vietnam integrated with its international friends. Let's listen to his heartfelt sharing about his journey of "taking the bell to strike in foreign lands" and his philosophy of running alongside corporate culture.
It is known that you have participated in three marathons: Chicago, Tokyo, and New York are your most recent international races. Looking back on your journey to conquer these three prestigious marathons, what was the most unforgettable moment for you?
Mr. Kim Thanh Hai: Each race has its own unique colors and characteristics, reflecting the city and the host country. In Tokyo, when the barista learned I was from Vietnam to participate in the race, they made me a cup of coffee with the race logo and my name on it, reflecting the thoughtful nature of the Japanese. However, for me, the most memorable aspect was the supportive atmosphere of the New York race—it was an amazing festival-like atmosphere, lively and full of energy yet still adhering to the organizers' guidelines. Throughout the 42km course, there wasn't a single meter without spectators. It was a day when the people of New York City took to the streets to cheer on their loved ones, friends, and strangers from all over the world who came to participate in the race in their city.
On the race course in New York, among tens of thousands of international athletes, how did you feel wearing the BIDV logo on your jersey? Can you share an interesting memory of international friends being curious or impressed by the colors you represented?
Kim Thanh Hai: To be honest, our BIDV brand is still small internationally, especially in races with 50-60 thousand athletes, each wearing a jersey with their own brand or message. It’s a bit disappointing that our BIDV sports jersey doesn’t feature the Vietnamese flag on the chest or sleeves. I always hesitate when choosing attire to fully showcase both the BIDV logo and Vietnam’s image.
Every step taken in major races is not only a personal achievement but also a way for him to introduce the image of a dynamic, integrated Vietnam and BIDV. What message does he hope to convey to international friends through these journeys?
Kim Thanh Hai: I was fortunate to be selected to join the Vietnamese athlete delegation at the opening ceremony of the 2025 New York Marathon. The delegation had nine members, of whom only myself and one other person were from Vietnam; the rest were Vietnamese expatriates and students studying in the US. The women all wore ao dai, even though the weather in New York in November was quite cold. We all wanted to showcase the most Vietnamese colors, in the most traditional costumes, to help promote the image of Vietnam at an international event with a single message: "Vietnam is here."
A marathon is a race of endurance, not speed. How has this mindset helped you in your professional work at BIDV, especially when facing pressures and challenges at work?
Mr. Kim Thanh Hai: There will be days when you feel very bored and tired to go training; I have many days like that (laughs). On those days, sometimes I just try to put my left foot in front of my right foot and keep going, but I know that if I get through those days, I will not only be stronger physically but also train my willpower when running my race. Not every race day has perfect weather; it could be sunny, it could rain heavily, or it could even snow. Those are things I can't control, but I know I've trained and prepared as best as I can for that day, both physically and mentally. The same applies to work. Not every workday is smooth sailing, and not every challenge can be resolved overnight. What matters is that we have the courage and determination to overcome not just one but many such days. We strive to become better every day, stronger every day.
From short runs to long-distance marathons extending internationally, it is a process of relentless training. At BIDV, we also always talk about 'transformation' and 'innovation'. How do you see the lesson of overcoming your own limits in running applied to the work culture at the bank?
Mr. Kim Thanh Hai: Training for a marathon does have many similarities with the work culture at BIDV. First, each individual will have their own goal for the marathon, just like KPIs (haha), and will make very specific plans for that goal. Second, as you mentioned, training for a marathon is a continuous process, just like our work process. After each race and achieving the desired results, I set my sights on new milestones: starting with running a marathon in under 5 hours, I gradually conquered sub-4, sub-3:30, sub-3:10, and now I'm training to break 3 hours. I can't speak for every BIDVer, but looking at BIDV's business results over the past five years, it's clear that BIDV is growing bigger and stronger every day, and that is undoubtedly the result of the daily efforts of every employee in the BIDV team.
As a pioneer who has "taken the bell to foreign lands" in international running competitions, do you have any advice or words of encouragement to promote the movement of physical fitness and sportsmanship within the BIDV Runners community?
Mr. Kim Thanh Hai: I think sports are just like any other hobby. I hope that each BIDVer will find a sport to play for themselves, it doesn't necessarily have to be running. Recently, many of our colleagues have been playing pickleball, and I know some people at BIDV who still play soccer, badminton, table tennis, yoga, or simply walk for 30 minutes every day... I think all sports are good and enjoyable. The important thing is to find a sport that suits you and that you enjoy. Everyone has different qualities, so you just need to focus on your own progress and enjoy sports in your own way. Then you will reap the benefits of better health, relaxation, and laughter after each session.
What's the next "peak" you aim to conquer by placing BIDV's flag on the global marathon map?
Kim Thanh Hai: In 2026, I plan to participate in a race in Europe. My goal for the next 2-3 years is to complete all 6 races in the World Major Marathons series (Chicago, New York, Boston, London, Berlin, Tokyo). This system has recently added Sydney, making it seven races, but I will likely only participate in six races to then focus on other goals.
Thank you, Kim Thanh Hai, for the interview. Wishing you good health and perseverance in conquering the next "peaks" on the world marathon map.
Additional photos of Mr. Kim Thanh Hai at various world marathon events:
